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McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

By Sponsored Article – March 03, 2026

Where XPEL Excellence Meets Ford Performance

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By Jordan Aquistapace – May 11, 2022

Daniel Arsham's Crystal Eroded 1968 Ford Mustang On Displ...

The local Detroit art gallery hosts the one-of-a-kind classic Ford Mustang. Being two luxury industries that seem to cross paths in more ways than one, the automotive and art worlds share creative similarities that help bring the artistic visions to life. American Artist and car enthusiasts Daniel Arsham prides himself on showcasing the artistic beauty of classic auto icons using methods only best described as scientific. As part of his growing fleet of eroded vehicles, Daniel highlights the complex crystal erosion process with chassis like his 1968 Ford Mustang. MUST-READ: Daniel Arsham Unveils His New 1973 Porsche RSA Project The matte black exterior and black leather interior receive the same erosion treatment, presenting an aesthetically-pleasing design to the vintage muscle car. The final finish achieves its one-of-a-kind look using a blend of Pyrite Crystal, Volcanic Ash, Steel, and Quartz Crystal. Daniel Arsham is proud to announce that the crystal eroded 1968 Ford Mustang is set to be on scene at the Library Street Collective art gallery in Detroit, Michigan for all to enjoy. The Library Street Collective holds a special memory for Daniel Arsham, as it was the first gallery to feature a public appearance of the crystal eroded Mustang in the heart of Motor City. View all of the current Ford Mustang inventory for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY for more upcoming luxury lifestyle and supercar news. View All Ford Mustangs For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by ARSHAM STUDIO (@danielarsham) Source: @danielarsham IG

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 14, 2021

The GearBox: Ford F-150 Black Ops Style

When it comes to the Ford F-150, it’s best described as one of the most versatile pick-up trucks on the market today. The professionals at Tuscany Motor Co. are taking the Ford F-150 to the next level with the Black Ops Edition. Loaded with a list of off-road modifications, The 2021 Ford F-150 Black Ops is prepped for any situation, just like your wardrobe should be. This week’s GearBox focuses on the best apparel and accessories to pair with the 2021 Ford F-150 Black Ops by Tuscany Motor Co. Shop all of the products featured in this special by clicking the links below. 2021 Ford F-150 Black Ops Tuscany Motor Co. Tuscany Motor Co., now a FOX Factory company, is part of a family of Special Vehicle Manufacturers that have built over 200,000 custom vehicles from four state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Alabama, Colorado, Georgia, and Indiana. The manufacturing process utilizes components that meet Federal Motor Vehicle Standards leading to all vehicles receiving a 3 year/ 36,000 mile warranty. Price: MSRP $98,995 View Tuscany Motor Company Hublot WOS Exclusive Classic Fusion Chronograph 45MM Watches of Switzerland The Classic Fusion Aerofusion Chronograph ‘Watches of Switzerland Group’ Special Edition 45mm seamlessly blends a striking black ceramic case with a black skeleton dial featuring red details, which are also seen on the alligator and rubber strap. The timepiece carries a HUB1155 self-winding chronograph movement and has a 42-hour power reserve. The new Classic Fusion created in collaboration with The Watches of Switzerland Group adds to previous special editions created jointly by Hublot and The Watches of Switzerland Group since 2018. Price: $17,700 Buy From Watches of Switzerland John Varvatos Graphic T-Shirt Nordstrom Weathered graphics make a statement at the chest of a short-sleeve John Varvatos Graphic T-shirt in pure cotton. The perfect compliment to the new 2021 Ford F-150 Black Ops Edition by Tuscany Motor Co. Price: $78 Buy From Nordstrom Rag & Bone Fit 1 - Ashland Rag & Bone Rag & Bone has a brand new Fit 1. Formerly extra slim, now officially skinny. The new skinniest fit, tapered at the knee, with a slightly longer rise. Here in Authentic Stretch: selvedge-inspired denim with an optimal, shape-holding touch of comfort stretch. Ashland is an Italian denim in a worn black wash. Price: $250 Buy From Rag & Bone Nike Air Max SC Nike With its easy going lines, heritage track look and of course, visible Air cushioning, the Nike Air Max SC is the perfect finish to any outfit. The rich mixture of materials adds depth while making it a durable and lightweight shoe for everyday wear. Price: $75 Buy From Nike Oakley Radar® EV Path® Oakley The original Radar® eyewear combined everything we learned from decades of research with the world’s best athletes, and with the taller lens of Radar EV and its extended range of view in the upper peripheral region, the heritage of performance has a new milestone. Price: $235 Buy From Oakley Melin A-Game Hydro Black Camo Melin The A-Game HYDRO unisex hat was engineered with a hydrophobic technology on the crown panels designed to bead away water and prevent absorption. Constructed with durable materials the hats are water repellant, floatable, and breathable. Price: $59 Buy From Melin Dango D01 R-SPEC™ Wallet Dango Inspired by the fruits of the automotive industry, we developed a very special line of wallets called the R-Spec Edition. It not only incorporates clean lines with contrasting elements and textures, but also includes the finest materials that define high performance. Price: $99 Buy From Dango Medford The Raider Medford Knives The Raider is just for you! Our slightly smaller version of the TBF maintains all the wicked attributes of the larger knife, with an easy-to-carry size. It has the same radical combo grind using flat grinding on the tip for strength and hollow grinding on the main edge for razor sharp use over the years. The serrations are double row and razor sharp. The hardened s35vn hilt is a built-in crowbar and unbelievably tough. Finally, the through-tang knife completely disassembles for thorough cleaning with a single Allen wrench. Basically, it is the TBF in a smaller package. Price: $650 Buy From Medford Knives TUMI Bradner Nylon Tricot Laptop Backpack Nordstrom Made from tough, durable nylon tricot and trimmed in leather, this polished TUMI commuter backpack features plenty of pockets to keep you organized. Price: $425 Buy From Nordstrom For more GearBox specials, Check out The GearBox: The Mercedes-AMG G63 Style

By Jordan Aquistapace – June 30, 2021

The GearBox: USA Style

With July 4th Weekend quickly approaching, its time to celebrate with an All-American outdoor bbq. What better way to pack up the party, than in the 2020 Ford F-150 Shelby featuring a 770-horsepower V8. This week's GearBox focuses on all the essentials needed to be the life of the party during the Fourth of July. Shop all of the products and accessories featured in this special by clicking the links below. 2020 Ford F-150 Shelby Shelby Shelby’s adaptation of Ford’s F-150 is as natural as going racing while raising chickens, something Carroll did at the beginning of his legendary career. Although Shelby would have hauled chickens, the Shelby F-150 is simply built to haul, via its 395 standard horsepower or checking the option box for 770 horses. Price: MSRP $93,385 View All Ford F-150 Shelby For Sale Breitling Endurance Pro 44mm Watches of Switzerland Breitling’s Endurance Pro, featuring a thermo-compensated SuperQuartz™ movement, is the ultimate leisure watch positioned in the brand’s Professional range. Designed both as a lightweight watch for athletes and a casual, everyday sports chronograph, it is the perfect lightweight and lighthearted luxury sports watch combining high precision, innovative technology, and vibrant, colorful design. Price: $3,150 Buy From Watches of Switzerland Life is Good Golf Flag T-Shirt Life is Good Instant classics don't just happen. Life is Good spent over 20 years perfecting our original Crusher Tee, and its laid-back style has the staying power to prove it. Washed for everyday softness, this classic fit customer favorite barely skims the body for a look that's as easygoing as you are. Price: $28 Buy From Life is Good O'Neil Hyperfreak Apollo 19" Boardshorts O'Neil The Hyperfreak concept is simple: Create the best boardshort possible to keep surfers in the water, longer. Hyperfreak stretch fabrication offers the perfect amount of flex. Quick-dry, anti-rash technology is used to maximize comfort and improve drying time. Price: $49.50 Buy From O'Neil PUMA RS-X³ USA Sneakers PUMA Designed for style, engineered for performance and built for your active lifestyle. The PUMA RS-X³ USA Sneakers are the perfect shoes to compliment the July 4th celebrations. Price: $110 Buy From PUMA Melin Odyssey Brick HLA Hydro Hat Melin Melin is honored to announce our partnership as the official hat of the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association. For each HLA Red HYDRO hat sold, we are donating a percent of proceeds to the HLA to help fund ocean safety and Jr. lifeguard programs in Hawaii. Price: $59 Buy From Melin Oakley OO9406 Sutro Team USA Collection Sunglass Hut Devoted to making the best sunglasses on the planet by letting innovation lead the way. With a passion to continually reinvent itself and defy convention, Oakley has set the standard in design, performance and protection by wrapping science in art. Price: $193 Buy From Sunglass Hut YETI Hopper Backflip 24 Soft Cooler Yeti The Hopper BackFlip™ 24 fuses the durability of the Hopper Flip® with a new, convenient-to-carry design. It's our first cooler engineered to carry as a backpack, using the best tech of both worlds. Price: $299.99 Buy From YETI YETI Rambler 30 OZ Tumbler With Magslider Lid YETI The Rambler® 30 oz. is the tumbler that gets you through the day. Your morning brew stays hot, and your iced coffee will stay cold - so take your time. Kitchen-grade stainless steel with double-wall vacuum insulation will protect your drink at all costs. Price: $34.99 Buy From YETI Medford Knife Mizuchi™ Medford Knife A type of Japanese dragon or legendary serpent-like creature found in aquatic habitat. Some say it is a water deity. Standard g-10 handle colors and kydex sheath. Price: $350 Buy From Medford Knives Traeger Pro 780 Wood Pellet Grill Traeger Traeger Pro 780 are WiFi wood pellet grills and smokers that include a D2® controller featuring WiFIRE® technology. Price: $999.99 Buy From Traeger For more GearBox specials, Check out The GearBox: Head-to-Toe In The Huracán EVO

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